Ready or not, summer in Madrid is almost here.
I remember all the warnings I got during my first year in Madrid. “Just wait for summer”. I remember thinking I was prepared, but summer in Madrid is a beast of its own.
Growing up in Indiana, I was used to hot, humid summers. But in Madrid it’s different. The concrete of the city and narrow streets pack in the heat like an oven, and there’s really no escape.
Combined with no A/C, sweaty subways, and tourist season, Madrid can get suffocating during the summer. Whether you’re moving here long-term or just visiting, here are some tips to help you beat the heat!
Why Summer in Madrid Has a Bad Reputation
If you ask most locals, they’re not a huge fan of summer. Unlike Barcelona, Madrid is not coastal, and there aren’t any major bodies of water that you can swim in without having a car.
For that reason, most of us are stuck in a sweltering city with no escape. But true madrileños (like you and me) don’t let that stop us!
Last summer I was not as prepared as I thought I was, and I learned a lot from my mistakes. I left my A/C running constantly and rarely left the house, never went to the pool, and basically gritted my teeth until it was bearable to be outside again.
Not this year! Here are some of my tips on how to navigate summer in Madrid.
Tips for Beating the Heat
Here are some tips I’ve gathered from friends and personal experience that I’ll be implementing this summer! Take one, take all, or use this as guidance to create your own summer playbook.
Make it Fashion
Grab a couple of cute abanicos (Spanish handheld fans) from El Rastro and match them to your outfit. They may be old school, but they do work in a pinch! Plus, they make you look even more put together, even when you’re a sweaty mess.
Figure Out How to Cool Your Home
If you have A/C, amazing. We do, but even in the summer, we have to drag our mattress out to the living room so it’s right under the A/C unit. Not glamorous, but it works!
You could also try setting up some house fans that redirect and circulate the air towards your bedroom at night. That’s what I’ll be doing to step up my game this year.
If you don’t have A/C, open windows at night and house fans will be your best friend.
Plan Your Outings Strategically
During the summer I avoid going out during peak hours, which are typically from 2-6pm. This means avoiding the grocery store, metro, or even taking my dog out during this time.
I recommend becoming an early bird in the summer (if you aren’t usually). Do your grocery shopping first thing in the morning, take your dog out early, and try to get most of your outdoor activities in before the sun is cooking.
Find Your Go-To Shaded Park
If you like being outdoors, find a spot that offers more shade. For example, I usually like to go running at Madrid Río, but there is no shade in the summer. For that reason, I swap it out for Retiro Park or Casa de Campo where there is more tree coverage.
Find a few spots that are more comfortable for you in the summer, and make those the new go-tos!
Take a Dip
Madrid has a few public and private pools to choose from. The most common public pool is in Casa de Campo, which has tons of green space and allows coolers with food and drinks. Entry is €4.50, and you can reserve your spot in advance through the Madrid Móvil app.
There are a few rooftop or private pools that both locals and tourists love. If you’re looking for a splurge, the Hotel Emperador has a day pass for €80, including entrance to the rooftop pool, a towel, and a welcome glass of Moët. Axel Hotel in barrio Las Letras offers a €20 day pass on the weekends, and the Akeah Hotel offers a day pass + brunch for one for €65 on the weekends, and €55 on weekdays.
Your furry friends need to cool off too! I usually let my dog swim in the fountain at our park to cool off before we walk home when it’s hot out. You’ll see kids and other pups doing the same — it’s completely normal here. There are cool pet-friendly water parks and day cares outside of the city, but unfortunately you need a car to reach them.
Retreat to the Mountains
If you want to explore the Madrid area without burning up, going to the Sierra de Madrid or visiting Segovia is a good way to still get out, but get a cooler climate. Don’t expect a major difference, but it is much more bearable than being trapped in the city.
Go hiking in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, just an hour drive away. You can also get there on public transport, which will extend your travel time by about 30 minutes to an hour.
Segovia is a great day trip from Madrid, and is easily accessible by bus or train. It’s higher in elevation, and offers incredible views of the mountains in the distance.
Find Your Go-To Spots With A/C
Most restaurants and bars do not have A/C in Madrid, which can make it challenging to go out to eat comfortably in the summer. There are a few spots that will offer A/C, but it won’t get as cool as what you may be used to if you’re coming from the U.S.
I recommend trying a few neighborhood spots and making note of which places have good A/C and become regulars there. It’s a survival tip, but it will save you the exhaustion when you want to go out to eat but you can’t find anything comfortable.
Stay Hydrated
This one speaks for itself, but I’ve seen more than one metro pass-out to make this worth calling out. When the city is hot, make sure you’re hydrating yourself not just with water, but with electrolytes too.
My favorite go-to drink during the summer is Aquarius, which is like Spain’s gatorade equivalent. Grab a can at the alimentación stores while you’re exploring the city to help keep your hydration in check.
Get Out of the City
If all the tips above don’t do it for you, maybe it’s time to leave for awhile. If you work remote or have saved up vacation time, consider going up to the north, either in A Coruña, Santander, Bilbao, or even Barcelona. These are all beach cities where there’s more airflow and slightly cooler temperatures. And with access to the ocean, it makes the heat much more tolerable.
FAQs About Summer in Madrid
How hot does Madrid get in the summer?
Madrid summers are no joke. Temperatures regularly hit 35–40°C (95–104°F) in July and August, and heat waves pushing past 40°C are becoming more common. What makes it feel worse is the lack of humidity relief: unlike coastal cities, there’s no sea breeze, and the city’s concrete and stone trap heat well into the night.
When is the hottest time of day in Madrid?
Peak heat is typically between 2pm and 6pm. If you can structure your day to stay indoors or in the shade during this window, you’ll feel significantly better. Mornings before 10am and evenings after 8pm are much more manageable.
Does Madrid have air conditioning?
Some apartments and newer buildings do, but many older flats — especially in historic neighborhoods — don’t. Most restaurants and bars also have limited or no A/C. It’s worth asking about air conditioning specifically when apartment hunting if you’re moving here, because it genuinely affects quality of life in summer.
Is it worth visiting Madrid in the summer?
Absolutely — with the right expectations. There are festivals, rooftop bars, and a lively outdoor culture that makes summer in Madrid fun if you plan around the heat. Just avoid midday sightseeing, wear breathable clothing, stay hydrated, and lean into the local rhythm (late dinners, morning outings, afternoon rest).
Where can I swim near Madrid without a car?
The public pool in Casa de Campo is the most accessible option — entry is around €4.50 and you can get there by metro. For something with more atmosphere, several hotels offer day passes to their rooftop pools, including Axel Hotel (€20 on weekends) and Akeah Hotel (€55–65 with brunch).
What should I pack for a summer trip to Madrid?
Lightweight, breathable fabrics are essential — linen and cotton are your best friends. A reusable water bottle, a small handheld fan (or pick one up at El Rastro for a euro or two), comfortable walking sandals, and sunscreen are non-negotiables. A small crossbody bag keeps things light when you’re out in the heat.
Do locals leave Madrid in the summer?
Many do! August especially sees a mass exodus when madrileños head to the coast, the mountains, or their hometown villages. The city actually quiets down quite a bit, which has its own charm. Some restaurants and small shops close for a week or two, so it’s worth checking ahead.
Don’t Let the Heat Get You Down
Depending on where you’re from, you may find this whole topic SUPER dramatic, and if that’s your reaction, I applaud you! I personally cannot handle the heat well, and these are the tips for those of you who relate.
My biggest advice for summer in Madrid is to make the most of it. Last year I gritted my teeth through the whole season, but this year, I’m going to be much more strategic. Having a dog makes it tough because he does have to spend more time indoors, but between playing fetch in the cooler courtyard and playing indoors, we make it work.
Have any questions, tips, or tricks to share with the Everyday Abroad community? Post them in the comments!
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